Hybrid Riser for Archery Bow

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/596,431, filed Mar. 5, 2024, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/883,463, filed Aug. 8, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/950,706, filed Nov. 17, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/352,719, filed Mar. 13, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/642,468, filed Mar. 13, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates generally to archery bows and more specifically to riser and frame constructions for archery bows. Archery bows generally include a riser, which forms the main structure of the bow. Known risers are often made from a metal such as aluminum, or alternatively from a composite material such as a polymer reinforced with glass or carbon fibers. Metal risers have certain benefits and drawbacks. Metal risers can be cut to any shape but can tend to be more flexible than composite risers. Screw threads can be formed directly in a metal, and fasteners used in the bow can engage the metal directly. Composite risers have different benefits and different drawbacks. Composite risers are typically formed in a mold, which can generally produce risers having only one shape; however, composite risers can have superior strength and deflection characteristics.

There remains a need for novel bow and riser designs that improve the bow by providing increased stiffness and/or lighter weight than prior designs.

All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

In some embodiments, an archery bow riser comprises a body defining a first end, a second end and a grip portion. The body defines a shooting axis and comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises a metal and the second portion comprises carbon fibers. The first portion extends to a first side of the shooting axis and to a second side of the shooting axis, and the second portion extends to the first side of the shooting axis and to the second side of the shooting axis.

In some embodiments, second portion extends continuously for at least one-quarter of a length of the riser. In some embodiments, second portion extends continuously for at least one-half of a length of the riser.

In some embodiments, the body comprises a first limb engagement location and a second limb engagement location. The first portion extends continuously from the first limb engagement location to the second limb engagement location. The second portion extends continuously from the first limb engagement location to the second limb engagement location.

In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser engaged with a first limb fastener and a second limb fastener. The riser comprises a first portion comprising metal and a second portion comprising carbon fiber. The riser comprises a tension surface and a compression surface. The second portion receives tensile forces from the first limb fastener and from the second limb fastener. The compression surface excludes the second portion.

In some embodiments, the second portion comprises a first aperture arranged to receive the first limb fastener and a second aperture arranged to receive the second limb fastener. In some embodiments, the first portion comprises a limb nut aperture aligned with the first aperture.

In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser, a first limb supported by the riser at a first support location and a second limb supported by the riser at a second support location. The riser comprises a first portion comprising a first material and a second portion comprising a second material, the second material having a higher elastic modulus than the first material. The first portion extends from the first support location to the second support location. The first portion is arranged to receive compressive forces from the first and second limbs. The second portion extends from the first support location to the second support location. The second portion is arranged to receive tensile forces from the first and second limbs.

In some embodiments, the first limb is attached to the riser by a limb bolt and a limb nut, and the first portion comprises a first limb nut aperture. In some embodiments, the second portion comprises a second limb nut aperture aligned with the first limb nut aperture. In some embodiments, the second portion comprises a limb bolt aperture. In some embodiments, the first portion comprises a third limb nut aperture aligned with the first limb nut aperture. In some embodiments, the first portion comprises a slot and the second portion is oriented in the slot.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

show an embodiment of an archery bow. In some embodiments, a bowcomprises a riser, a first limband a second limb. The first limbsupports a first rotatable memberand the second limbsupports a second rotatable member. In some embodiments, a limb (e.g. first limb) comprises a limb assembly having multiple limb members (e.g.) as shown in.

In some embodiments, the limbs,are attached to the riserby limb cups,. In some embodiments, limbs,and limb cups,comprise features as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,635.

In some embodiments, the forces transferred between a limband the risercomprise a moment connection, for example comprising a force couple comprising a compressive force C and a tensile force T. In some embodiments, a compressive force C is applied to the riserby a limb cup. In some embodiments, a tensile force T is applied via a limb fastenersuch as a limb bolt. In some embodiments, a head of a limb boltengages a limb cup. In some embodiments, a limb boltis attached to the riser, for example engaging a threaded hole in the riser. In some embodiments, the limb boltengages a limb nutthat comprises a threaded hole. In some embodiments, a limb nutcomprises a circular cross-sectional shape or a cylindrical outer shape, and is received in a cavity in the riser, which allows limb nutto rotate and the angle of the limb boltwith respect to the riserto change, for example as the limb boltis adjusted.

Desirably, the bowdefines a shooting axis. In some embodiments, the bowcomprises a grip. In some embodiments, the gripis attached to the riseror comprises a portion of the riser. When shooting the bow, a shooter will typically grasp the gripand apply a force F to the grip/riser. In some embodiments, the riseracts as a beam and carries stresses, which may originate both from the bow'sinternal forces and any from external force F applied by a shooter. Forces present in a risercan primarily comprise tensile forces on the front sideof the riserand compressive forces on the back sideof the riser. In some embodiments, a front surface of the risercomprises a major tension surfaceand a back surfaceof the riser comprises a major compression surface.

In some embodiments, the bowcomprises a cable guardarranged to move cables laterally, for example to position the cables away from the shooting axis. In some embodiments, the cable guardis supported by the riserand places a torqueing force on the riser. In some embodiments, forces from the cable guardplace one side of the riserin tension and one side of the riserin compression. In some embodiments, the risercomprises a lateral tension surface.

In some embodiments, the risercomprises a first portioncomprising a first material and a second portioncomprising a second material. In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises a material having a higher elastic modulus that the material of the first portion. In some embodiments, the second portionhas a greater stiffness than the first portion. In some embodiments, the first portionconsists of the first material and comprises a single piece of material. In some embodiments, the second portionconsists of the second material and comprises a single piece of material.

In some embodiments, the first portionis formed from metal. Any suitable metal can be used. In some embodiments, the first portioncomprises aluminum.

In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises reinforcing fibers in a matrix material. The reinforcing fibers can comprise any suitable type of reinforcing material, such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber or the like and suitable combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises carbon fiber in a resin matrix. In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers of the second portionconsist of carbon fiber.

In some embodiments, the second portionhas a greater resistance to tensile deformation than the first portion, and the second portioncomprises a tensile stiffener that reinforces the riseragainst deformation. In some embodiments, the second portionis referred to herein as a stiffener.

show views of the risershown inwith the second portionremoved from the first portion.

In some embodiments, the first portionof the risercomprises a cavity. In some embodiments, the stiffeneris oriented in the cavity. In some embodiments, a size and shape of the cavityis similar to the size and shape of the stiffener. In some embodiments, a stiffenerextends to the front surfaceof the riser, or the front surfaceof the first portion. In some embodiments, a front surfaceof the stiffeneris aligned with the front surfaceof the first portion. In some embodiments, the stiffenerextends to the major tension surfaceof the riser. In some embodiments, the major tension surfacecomprises the stiffener.

In some embodiments, the major tension surfacecomprises both the first portionand the second portion. In some embodiments, the major compression surfacecomprises the first portionand excludes the second portion.

The second portioncan be attached to the first portionusing any suitable method. In some embodiments, an adhesive is used. In some embodiments, multiple surfaces of the second portionare attached to multiple surfaces of the first portionwith an adhesive. Any suitable adhesive can be used that will attach material of the second portionto material of the first portion. In some embodiments, an adhesive comprises an epoxy, an epoxy mixture, an acrylic, a methacrylate and/or any other suitable adhesive.

In some embodiments, one or more fasteners can be used to attach the second portionto the first portion. In some embodiments, the second portioncan comprise an aperture. In some embodiments, a fastener with a head extends through an aperture of the second portionand engages the first portion. In some embodiments, a pin can engage (e.g. frictionally) the first portionand the second portion. Any suitable combination of attachment methods can be used. In some embodiments, the first and second portions,are attached to one another by at least one fastener and by an adhesive.

Any suitable number of surfaces of the second portioncan be attached to the first portionby adhesive. In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises six sides, and any suitable number of sides can be attached by adhesive. As shown in, all sides of the second portionexcept the front surfacecan be attached to the first potion.

The first portioncan be made using any suitable method. In some embodiments, the first portionis cast in a mold. In some embodiments, the first portionis cut from a workpiece.

The second portioncan be made using any suitable method. In some embodiments, the second portionis formed in a mold. In some embodiments, the second portionis formed in the cavityusing the cavityas a mold. In some embodiments, an uncured slurry of matrix material and reinforcing fibers is deposited into the cavityand then cured. In some embodiments, interior walls of the cavitycomprise a portion of a mold, and another exterior mold portion can be used to close the cavityand allow injection molding under heat and/or pressure.

In some embodiments, a stiffenercomprises a first length portionand a second length portion. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the first length portionis parallel to and offset from a longitudinal axis of the second portion. In some embodiments, the stiffenercomprises one or more curved portions.

In some embodiments, the risercomprises an offset portionthat defines a sight window. Desirably, the offset portionis offset from the shooting axis. In some embodiments, the shooting axisextends through the sight window. In some embodiments, the first portionof the riserextends above and below the shooting axis. In some embodiments, the stiffenerextends above and below the shooting axis. In some embodiments, the riserfirst portionand the stiffenerare attached to one another continuously and extend above and below the shooting axis.

In some embodiments, the stiffeneroccupies at least a quarter of a length dimension (e.g. height dimension) of the riser. In some embodiments, the stiffeneroccupies approximately one-third of the length dimension of the riser. In some embodiments, the stiffeneroccupies approximately one-half of the length dimension of the riser. In some embodiments, the stiffenerdoes not extend to the limb connections.

In some embodiments, the risercomprises a grip. In some embodiments, the gripis positioned adjacent to a portion of the stiffener. In some embodiments, the gripdefines a cavity, and the riserfirst portionand the stiffenerare oriented in the cavity.

In some embodiments, the first portioncomprises portions positioned around the shooting axis. In some embodiments, the first portioncomprises portions located to a first side and to a second side (e.g. opposite sides) of the shooting axis. In some embodiments, the first portioncomprises portions located above and below the shooting axis. In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises portions positioned around the shooting axis. In some embodiments, the first portioncomprises portions located to a first side and to a second side (e.g. opposite sides) of the shooting axis. In some embodiments, the first portioncomprises portions located above and below the shooting axis.

The second portioncan extend for any suitable length portion of the riser. In some embodiments, the second portionextends continuously for one-quarter of a length of the riser. In some embodiments, the second portionextends continuously for one-third of a length of the riser. In some embodiments, the second portionextends continuously for one-half of a length of the riser.

show views of another embodiment of a riser. In some embodiments, the risercomprises a first portionand a second portion. In some embodiments, the second portionoccupies a majority of a length dimension of the riser. In some embodiments, the second portionextends continuously between the limb,connections. In some embodiments, the second portionengages limb fasteners (e.g.).

In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises a portion of the major tension surfaceof the riser. In some embodiments, the second portion comprises a portion of the lateral tension surface. In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises a single piece of material that comprises the major tension surfaceand the lateral tension surfaceof the riser. In some embodiments, the second portionoccupies a front-lateral tension quadrant of the risercross-section.

In some embodiments, all contacting surfaces between the first portionand the second portionof the risercan be attached using an adhesive. In some embodiments, the first portionand the second portionare attached via pins, fasteners, etc. In some embodiments, a pin can extend through apertures in the first portionand the second portion, for example frictionally engaging the apertures. As shown in, the second portionis arranged to receive fasteners. In some embodiments, a fastener can abut the second portionand engage the first portion. In some embodiments, the first portioncomprises threaded aperturesarranged to engage a fastener. In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises aperturesarranged to receive a fastener. In some embodiments, aperturesin the second portionare countersunk and provide a cavity for a head of a fastener.

In some embodiments, the cavitydefined by the first portioncomprises a first slot portion. In some embodiments, the cavitycomprises a second slot portion. In some embodiments, the first and second slot portions,are located at or near opposite ends of the riser. In some embodiments, a slot portion,is defined by a first sidewalland a second sidewall.

In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises a first tab portionand a second tab portion. In some embodiments, the first tab portionof the second portionis oriented in the first slot portionof the first portion. In some embodiments, the second tab portionof the second portionis oriented in the second slot portionof the first portion.

In some embodiments, surfaces of the first portionand second portionthat contact one another are shaped to comprise complimentary mating surfaces. In some embodiments, such contacting surfaces of the first portionand second portionare attached with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the contacting surfaces of the first portionand second portioncomprise mating protrusion and recess structures to aid in both alignment and force transfer between the portions,. As shown in the, in some embodiments, the first portioncomprises a protrusionhaving a predetermined shape, and the second portioncomprises a mating recess.

show an embodiment of a riserand associated limb fasteners, such as a limb boltand a limb nut.shows a limb cupattached to the riservia the limb fasteners.

Referring to, desirably, the riseris arranged to engage limb fasteners. In some embodiments, the first portionengages a limb fastener. In some embodiments, the second portionengages a limb fastener. In some embodiments, both the first portionand the second portionengage a limb fastener.

In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises one or more limb fastener apertures, which are constructed and arranged to engage a limb fastener. In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises a limb nut aperturethat is arranged to receive a limb nut. In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises a limb bolt aperturethat is arranged to receive a limb bolt. In some embodiments, the first tab portionof the second portioncomprises limb fastener apertures. In some embodiments, the second tab portioncomprises a second set of limb fastener apertures.

In some embodiments, tensile forces applied by the first limbare transferred to the second portionby limb fasteners. In some embodiments, forces from the first limbare applied to a first end of the second portion, for example being applied to the first tab portion. In some embodiments, tensile forces applied by the second limbare transferred to the second portionby a second set of limb fasteners. In some embodiments, forces from the second limbare applied to a second end of the second portion, for example being applied to the second tab portion. In some embodiments, the second portioncomprises a continuous member that receives tensile forces applied by both limbs,. In some embodiments, the second portion comprises a single piece of material.

In some embodiments, the first portionis arranged to engage a limb fastener. In some embodiments, the first portioncomprises a limb nut aperturearranged to receive a limb nut. In some embodiments, a limb nut apertureis located near an end of the first portion. In some embodiments, the limb nut apertureis located in the first sidewallthat defines the first slot portion. In some embodiments, the first portioncomprises a second limb nut aperturein proximity to the first limb nut aperture. In some embodiments, the second limb nut apertureis located in the second sidewallthat defines the first slot portion. In some embodiments, the limb nut apertures,near the first slot portionare aligned with one another. In some embodiments, a second end of the first portionis configured similarly to the first end, for example providing aligned limb nut apertures,near the second slot portion.